Great news: 2020 MINI JCW GP is staying true to the concept that wowed crowds in late 2016. As you can see in the above spy shot (and from what we learned earlier this year) the new GP will feature the radical boxed fenders and rear wing from the concept along with a high-output 302 hp four cylinder turbo.
To achieve that 302 hp mark sources are telling us that the GP will use a version of the B48A20T1 2.0L that is currently on the X2 M35i and will be in the JCW Countryman and Clubman later this year.
These photos give us our first full look at the final GP body kit which includes everything from carbon fiber boxed fenders to a radical rear wing and even new mirrors. Iconically what it doesn’t give us is a new front bumper which has been asked for since the F56 Cooper S debuted in 2013.
Powering the GP will be the B48A20T1 which debuted in the X2 M35i. This engine features a number of physical changes over the previous JCW power plant. Reinforced crankshaft, larger main bearings and new pistons fitted with a reduced compression ratio (9.5:1 vs 10.2:1) all allows for a larger turbocharger and increased boost. The intake airflow tract is also improved on the B48A20T1 for higher flow while the cooling system has been upgraded to keep it all at a proper operating temperature.
Helping to put this power down to the road will be the same 8 speed automatic already found in the JCW Countryman and Clubman. Or at least that’s what sources are telling us. While we’d love to be wrong on this one, it would make a lot of sense given the complexity of applying that much torque through the front tires. That’s right, despite the power the GP will remain front wheel drive.
Leveraging the front wheel drive and 8-speed sport automatic transmission, it’s rumored that MINI will offer an improved launch control allowing for consistent all-out sprints from a standing stop.
MINI JCW GP Production and Timing
The other key figure is production quantity – 3,000. That’s 1000 more than the 2nd generation GP and a number that hints at how successful MINI believes this all new GP will be. However that doens’t mean it’ll be easy to get. Given the power and extreme styling this new GP will likely be in demand unlike never before. Our recommendation would be to visit your local MINI dealer and make sure you’re on the list now.
Sources tell us that MINI is planning production for spring of 2020. Which sounds like great timing for anyone who wants a GP for MTTS 2020.
<p>The current Honda Civic Type R puts out 316hp, and manages very well with front-wheel drive and manual transmission. In fact it holds the Nurburgring lap time record for front-wheel drive vehicles.</p>
<p>So no excuse for the 2020 JCW GP having to be all-wheel drive then. BMW has been testing the JCW GP extensively at the Nurburgring circuit and will be aiming to take over that record.</p>
<p>BTW don’t worry about the price of the JCW GP – all 3,000 will most likely have been sold out before the car officially goes on sale :)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-honda-civic-type-r-smashes-nurburgring-front-drive-lap-record" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-honda-civic-type-r-smashes-nurburgring-front-drive-lap-record</a></p>
<p>I would be ashamed to be seen driving this Honda, but if you assume that, make yourself happy lol</p>
<p>Sorry Eric, but you have misunderstood my point.</p>
<p>There has been some speculation that the 2020 JCW GP might have as standard all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. I wasn’t promoting the Type R over the JCW GP – heaven forbid – but rather I was pointing out that the Type R is an extremely accomplished performance car, with a similar engine output to the GP, and it manages very well with front-wheel drive and manual transmission.</p>
<p>Sorry Nick, i understand better what you say
That being said, some could answer that noone wants to be seen driving this GP too… ;)</p>
<p>The Honda Civic Type R Mugen Concept has just gone on show in Asia.</p>
<p>It makes the JCW GP III look tasteful and modest in comparison 🙂 <a href="https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4a9473ad6589f031133f61631183b24ccf8cfc29195d9a4515526da00d625f8e.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4a9473ad6589f031133f61631183b24ccf8cfc29195d9a4515526da00d625f8e.jpg</a> <a href="https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7fca1addd6bdab269a41f42827425d071e13d9000d1a4e3be3431d135765cfdd.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7fca1addd6bdab269a41f42827425d071e13d9000d1a4e3be3431d135765cfdd.jpg</a></p>
<blockquote><i>BTW don’t worry about the price of the JCW GP – all 3,000 will most likely have been sold out before the car officially goes on sale</i></blockquote>
<p>I have serious doubts. None of the previous GP models sold quickly. After the initial batch of sales to MINI enthusiasts, sales slow to a trickle. The GP1 took a year to sell out in the US. A problem is that a GP doesn’t have broad appeal outside of current and previous MINI owners. For the general public, a high performance, high priced MINI isn’t an aspirational car.</p>
<p>GP I and especially GP II sold out quickly in the UK. The difference with GP III is that it is in a different league with an almost 50% increase in power. Not only that, GP III marks the end of an era for a high performance small MINI with an internal combustion engine, which should make it very collectable.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, the US has never really liked small cars, especially now, so perhaps the US allocation will be smaller this time.</p>
<p>The side rim wheel arch look ridiculous and detract from the look of the car. I know they probably there for aerodynamic reasons and most people buying the GP won’t care (ie performance) is all important. For me they don’t look practical ( ie cleaning ) or aesthetics pleasing. Can they be removed or option off?</p>
<p>I want to love this car, but the ostentatious — although probably functional — styling and lack of a manual is putting me off. I’m leaning more and more to just keeping my manual 18 JCW and tuning it to 280 HP or so. I also can’t see using the GP as a daily driver and I’m not a track guy, so it’s probably not for me.</p>
<p>That looks awful. And all for aero? Can you go fast enough for aero to matter? AND it’s auto only. I’m sure they will sell all 3000 but I’d prefer so many other cars over that.</p>
<p>I am surprised at some of the negative comments on the 2020 JCW GP so far.</p>
<p>The 2020 JCW GP is not only a most fitting ‘swan song’ for the third generation F-series MINI 2-door Hardtop, but also for the MINI 2-door Hardtop as we know it. Never again shall we witness a small production MINI 2-door Hardtop with an ICE.</p>
<p>Sure it will be a good job made by MINI, but ultimately how many will indeed buy it ? Like the previous ones, the “limited” production will be stored again for some time in the MINI shops</p>
<p>I’m confused at some of the comments here.</p>
<p>This is supposed to be the most radical MINI EVER. Not just in the F56 generation. EVER. The quickest, fastest, most-powerful MINI yet. And I’m reading complaints about the fenders and wing being too big?</p>
<p>This isn’t the car to buy if you’re looking to go under the radar. MINI as a brand definitely needs some excitement so I’m all for it.</p>
<p>Couldn’t have said it better ?</p>
<p>I would consider it for the power, handling and brakes. However, shouting Boy Racer decreases its value to me. If it does turn out to be auto-only, that is definitely a non-starter for me. Never owned an automatic, and won’t as long as I can avoid it.</p>
<p>As far as price goes, MSRP will have a dealer premium tacked on so it won’t mean much…</p>
<p>I’m glad they’re making it — don’t get me wrong, but the styling just isn’t for me. I’m not a track guy, so I won’t make use of the wing, etc. I just wish it was a little more toned-down like the previous GPs. Again, the lack of manual is also a deal-breaker for me. For those that love it, more power to you!</p>
<p>I love the circuits of the world on the cameo… I can see Silverstone, Monza, Sarthe, Nordschleife, Spa, Estoril… the list goes on!</p>
<p>Wondering when someone would mention those ?</p>
<p>Really love the fender extensions/flares. I bet the aftermarket will have knock-offs very soon.
Like Gabriel mentioned, I can’t believe they kept the lower front bumper design.</p>
<p>I purchased my first, and after looking at all the new Minis, it will probably be my last Mini. I purchased a new 2013 JCW GP and absolutely love it. While the extra power sounds interesting, it is really ugly and automatic “only”, no way. If Mini continues going the way it appears, I will be surprised if the company survives. What a shame.</p>
<p>Robert – an exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission for the GP III is purely speculative at this stage, and has not been officially confirmed one way or the other.</p>
<p>At last year’s LA Auto Show, however, Gabe had the opportunity to speak to the Head of MINI USA Product, Ishaan Khatri, and when Gabe asked him about the automatic rumours, he would only say that “MINI has had a history of offering a manual on every model it produces – the last remaining automaker to do so”.</p>
<p>UGLY overfenders; adds NOTHING to the design in my opinion and appears to block the view of the side scuttles. Something needs to change there…</p>
<p>However, did anyone notice that the skin has race course layouts? Best camouflage I’ve ever seen. I’ve picked out Road America, Shanghai and the Nordschleiffe so far…</p>
<p>And Silverstone, Monza and Spa…</p>
<p>Kieron Hegde noticed 11 days ago :)</p>
<p>Seeing as how I just saw it…</p>
<p>Don – thought this might interest you</p>
<p><a href="https://www.motor1.com/news/345928/mini-cooper-jcw-gp-video/amp/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.motor1.com/news/345928/mini-cooper-jcw-gp-video/amp/</a></p>